A Southern District Mission Story
Her name is Linda (name has been changed). She became connected by attending a Lutheran Hour Ministries "Me to We" parenting workshop the church was hosting. The third session she shared with the group that she had been diagnosed with cancer that day and would begin treatments immediately.
The congregation was instrumental in lining up dinners and provided some childcare when it was needed. When finances got tight, the congregation assisted with what was needed. Some of our men did some car repairs and another group helped with a problem on their well and pumping system. Her husband commented, "Why are they doing this? What do they want? No one just does this stuff?"
He started coming to church with her from time to time. When her father was diagnosed with cancer they called me in to talk with him. Time was short so we had to build a relationship quickly. He trusted me, listened to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit brought him to faith. He was moved to Hospice and I was invited in the morning they thought he would die. It happened in the midst of the Commendation of the Dying as we prayed the Lord’s Prayer. He was buried from our church four days later.
Linda and her mother are now in adult instruction, her daughter attends Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and we are talking about baptism. The daughter is now attending Redeemer Lutheran School this school year. Her husband is still testing the waters after being burned in a public confession of sin prior to their marriage - but he is no longer wondering what we are "up to."
We thank God for bringing Linda to us. Those who have been part of her care are amazed at her strength and perseverance.These are likely stories heard across the Southern District if we are willing to connect and build relationships with persons. Think of family members, your neighbors, and/or work colleagues.
Website: http://resluthpns.com/
Phone: 850-944-3777
Pastor: Rev. David Robatzen
A Southern District Mission Story
Her name is Linda (name has been changed). She became connected by attending a Lutheran Hour Ministries "Me to We" parenting workshop the church was hosting. The third session she shared with the group that she had been diagnosed with cancer that day and would begin treatments immediately.
The congregation was instrumental in lining up dinners and provided some childcare when it was needed. When finances got tight, the congregation assisted with what was needed. Some of our men did some car repairs and another group helped with a problem on their well and pumping system. Her husband commented, "Why are they doing this? What do they want? No one just does this stuff?"
He started coming to church with her from time to time. When her father was diagnosed with cancer they called me in to talk with him. Time was short so we had to build a relationship quickly. He trusted me, listened to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit brought him to faith. He was moved to Hospice and I was invited in the morning they thought he would die. It happened in the midst of the Commendation of the Dying as we prayed the Lord’s Prayer. He was buried from our church four days later.
Linda and her mother are now in adult instruction, her daughter attends Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and we are talking about baptism. The daughter is now attending Redeemer Lutheran School this school year. Her husband is still testing the waters after being burned in a public confession of sin prior to their marriage - but he is no longer wondering what we are "up to."
We thank God for bringing Linda to us. Those who have been part of her care are amazed at her strength and perseverance.These are likely stories heard across the Southern District if we are willing to connect and build relationships with persons. Think of family members, your neighbors, and/or work colleagues.
Website: http://resluthpns.com/
Phone: 850-944-3777
Pastor: Rev. David Robatzen